73 earn general equivalency degree through NJC program

GED graduate: I would still be in a hard place without this program

The 2013 graduates of NJC's GED Program flip their tassels at the end of the graduation celebration on Saturday. (Callie Jones/Journal-Advocate)

STERLING — Though they may have taken a different path to get where they are, they made it all the same. On Saturday, 29 students received their general equivalency degree at a graduation ceremony for the Northeastern Junior College GED program.

There are a total of 73 graduates this year.

After the students made their way into the Dorothy Corsberg Theatre, as the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” played, Kelli Reyes, adult basic education coordinator for NJC, welcomed the graduates and their guests.

“In the past, several of our students have been honored as students of the month through the Lions Club, some have received scholarships to attend college at NJC and others obtained employment or improved their employability as a result of getting their GED,” she said. “All students can take pride in having accomplished a major goal.”

After an invocation by Dametre Contreras, Reyes introduced the other GED program staff members, including Misti Lauer, the former coordinator of the program who is now the director of student support services at NJC; Yvonne Draxler, GED instructor; Leslie Helfer, GED instructor and NJC's college and career navigator; Whitney Cummings, family literacy coordinator; and Cathy Fisher, GED chief examiner.

Another instructor, Susan Reber, who's been an instructor with the program for over 20 years and is retiring this year, wasn't at the ceremony, but Lauer read a statement from her.

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“Being able to help you on the path towards a bright new future is the rewarding reason that I teach,” her statement said. “After the road blocks you have overcome, be tremendously proud of what you have accomplished. Remember to hold on to the feeling of pride that you have today and continue to carry it on with you. Always head in the direction of your dreams.”

Leslie Helfer, college and career navigator for NJC, encourages graduates to set new goals and continue to pursue them. (Callie Jones/Journal-Advocate)

“No matter what your age, your background, your strengths, your weaknesses, you are now armed with another tool to help you build a better life for yourself or perhaps those you love,” Reyes told the students. “You have your high school equivalency diploma and that diploma is the key to opening several doors now opening for you.”

Helfer talked about some of those doors.

“That feeling that you have right now, that joy, that satisfaction, that pride, I want you to be able to have that over and over and over again, throughout your whole life,” she told the graduates. “One of the best ways to keep that going is to think about this GED certificate, not just as an end -- think of it as a stepping stone.

GED graduate Justin Lacina talks about how his opinion of the GED program has changed and what the program has done for him. (Callie Jones/Journal-Advocate)

She told the students as a college and career navigator it's her job to help them create goals, find interesting careers, help them with a college application, financial aid or writing resumes.

“Education is often compared to events like building a house,” Helfer said. “Earning your GED is a solid foundation and every day of learning is another brick in your dream home. You are on your way to building a great tomorrow.”

After a slideshow, it was time for the graduates to take their walk across the stage and receive their diploma.

Once all the diplomas had been handed out, GED student Justin Lacina talked about how his opinion of the GED program has changed.

RE-1 Valley School District has announced its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program.
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